Berberine Benefits Blood Sugar -Weight Loss and More

 

The “magic bullet,” and the “pill for every ill.” Great analogies. The truth of the matter is there is no panacea for the plethora of health problems we face.  However, some natural health supplements make you stop and think about the value it can bring to your life. In this instance, we are speaking of Berberine.

Berberine is the active component found in certain plants including goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape.  Berberine has been used  Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries; today it is still used as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug in China, where it is used to treat gastrointestinal infections.

In recent years, Berberine has moved into the limelight due to newly published research for blood sugar control -- (insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome), liver health, heart health -- (reduction of high cholesterol), intestinal health/gastrointestinal challenges, boost immune health -- (fight infections including antiviral effects against the flu), and to help improve mood.

To understand the amazing benefits of Berberine you need first to know how it works. After ingesting Berberine, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and then travels to all cells in the body much like most vitamin and mineral supplements. However, where it differs is when it gets to the cells it binds to some different targets and changes their functions (this is similar to how pharmaceuticals work). The primary role of Berberine once in your cells is to activate a particular enzyme called AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), also referred to as the master switch that regulates all aspects of cell function and metabolism.

How does Berberine benefit You?

Berberine’s benefits relative to blood sugar are a result of its ability to stimulate glucose uptake into the muscle cells and helps to balance the sugar.

It has also been shown to delay the breakdown of carbs into simple sugars thus reducing sugar spikes and protects the pancreas from repeated damage due to blood sugar diseases.

It has also started to show some promise for weight loss due to its effect on the fat regulating hormones such as insulin, adiponectin and leptin and may also inhibit the growth of fat cells at the molecular level (studies were done on 500 mg 3 times a day).

• When combined with the supplements “Red Yeast Rice” and “Policosanol,”   Berberine has shown benefits for reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
• Berberine also seems to inhibit the secretions of some toxins produced by bacteria in your intestines which may explain its use in Chinese medicine as an anti-diarrhea supplement.
• In preliminary studies, Berberine can  "increase neurotransmitters including serotonin (47%), dopamine (31%) and norepinephrine (31%) in the brain."
• Researchers state that “Berberine exerted an antidepressant-like effect.”  It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immune-enhancing, lipid and blood sugar lowering, and promising “feel-good” benefits.

Berberine only stays in your cells for a few hours, so it is suggested that you spread out your dosage throughout the day. If you are taking blood sugar medications, you cannot use this supplement without supervision as it will affect your blood sugar.  Some reported possible side effects are related to digestion, and there are some reports of cramping, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation and stomach pain.

Thank you for reading Live Right Health

Catherine

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6111450/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23118793

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17341006

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15531889

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7035365

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10409121

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12812656/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25861268